Hand-in-hand with our local implementing partners, we are off to a great start in 2022! Together, we have impacted 13,350 people since the start of the year! Our work focuses on delivering safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions in Haiti, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Uganda. Our approach to these solutions depends on the […]
With our local implementing partner Clean Water International in the Philippines (CWIP), we have expanded our work from household filters to solutions scaled for communities. After the successful installation of our first village biosand filter, we have also installed our second! Unsafe Water at Bantol Elementary School Forced Teachers to Purchase Water Barangay Bantol, located […]
While many improvements have been made to achieve global access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, the reality is that over two billion people still lack access to safe, clean drinking water, and half of the global population lacks access to adequate sanitation (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)). While these issues produce negative impacts for all, […]
Since early August, our local implementing partner POPOW has been hard at work making sure that communities across Kaberamaido and Kalaki, Uganda, have access to clean, safe water. With their support, we have brought clean water to another 17 communities! Surge’s water access solutions are tailored to community needs. These 17 communities have been impacted […]
With COVID-19 spreading rapidly across the world and communities going in and out of lockdown, 2021 was more uncertain than many of us hoped it would be. Despite that uncertainty, we were able to impact 83,000 people – our greatest year of impact! Together, we strengthened programs by investing in our local partners and […]
It’s estimated that between $1.2 and 1.5 billion dollars in investments were lost between 1989 and 2009 because of nonfunctional water wells. That’s decades of water access work and billions of dollars wasted, a significant disservice to the very communities that were intended to benefit from the water projects. Water user committees are an integral […]
“If you are on Mother Nature’s side, Mother Nature will be on your side,” Chakra shared heartily, shrugging his shoulders with a smile. I Made Chakra Widia founded the Tri Hita Karana foundation in 2012 to launch sustainability and environmental awareness projects within communities in Bali, Indonesia. I interviewed Chakra to learn about his inspiration […]
In addition to expanding our Menstrual Health Training program, we are also excited to announce our first project on the island of Bali. In partnership with Tri Hita Karana, we have successfully constructed the first rainwater harvesting system for a community in Seraya, on the eastern side of Bali. Now, 300 people have access to […]
In the past few months, we have rehabilitated four boreholes, impacting a total of 4,590 people in Kaberamaido and Kalaki, Uganda. Uganda has been under some of the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns in Africa, but thanks to our local implementing partner POPOW, our essential work has continued. While businesses were forced to shut and travel was […]
At Surge, 2021 is the year of growth. In Uganda, we’ve started drilling wells and after 7 years working in the Philippines with Clean Water International, we are now providing entire communities, in addition to homes, with clean, safe water, through a localized source. In the Philippines, many rural areas lack access to safe water, […]
In the past 6 years, Surge has fixed over 100 water sources in Kaberamaido and Kalaki in Uganda. This year we’re excited to announce that with the support of long-time Surge ambassador Shereen Mitwalli, we have expanded into drilling new wells! The Issue At the Kacamidako Community Mosque, 1,800 water users were walking up to […]
Yaron, a twelve-year-old from Chicago, is celebrating his upcoming Bar Mitzvah by giving back to the global community. Yaron is walking 60 kilometers, 6 kilometers a week, between now and August 22 in an effort to raise $2,500. The money raised from Yaron’s project won’t go towards his Bar Mitzvah, but will instead be used […]
Global WASH Manager
Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.
Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.
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Director, UAE
I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.
I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.
With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.
Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.
I love that Surge is committed to helping our global communities be healthier and happier. I resonate deeply with Surge’s sustainable approach that allows communities to stand on their own and flourish. I feel very fortunate that I get to volunteer with some amazing passionate people; it makes me feel like I’m part of a global family. Professionally, I work in audit and compliance, and I enjoy applying these analytical skills, as well as my creative side, towards growing Surge.
I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.
I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.
Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.
I volunteer for Surge because of the commitment to provide sustainable and community-driven solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. There is a humility in partnering with communities that is truly transformative and long-lasting. Visiting Haiti and working directly with Surge’s field partners has so far been my most compelling experience with the organization. For me, seeing the strong community relationships reinforced the uniqueness of Surge’s approach to locally-led development. Through my professional consulting experience, I’ve provided strategic direction to several leading corporations. I really enjoy offering this service to Surge and simultaneously turning it into tactical execution. In my free time, you’ll likely find me training for my next marathon.
Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.
We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.
Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda
I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.
Director, ASSHLA, Haiti
I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.
Operations & Development Manager
As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.
Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.
Executive Director, UAE
Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.
Founder, Executive Director, Board Member
I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.